Diploma Privilege
Per Wisconsin Supreme Court rules 40.02 and 40.03, Marquette University Law School graduates are eligible for admission to the Wisconsin bar via diploma privilege. In other words, Marquette Law School graduates who submit a timely application and meet character and fitness standards are admitted to the practice of law in the state of Wisconsin without having to take the bar examination, thus qualifying for admission to the bar as well as to the federal courts in Wisconsin.
To gain admission to the Wisconsin bar via diploma privilege, students will complete a Character and Fitness Application with the Board of Bar Examiners. The application and more information can be found on the Wisconsin State Supreme Court website. In addition, information sessions on this process will take place during a student's 2L and 3L years.
Bar Admission
Students and Alumni applying for admission to an out-of-state bar can request necessary documentation by using the following links:
- Dean's Certificate/Certificate of J.D.
- Letter of Good Standing
Questions about bar admission documentation? Please contact Registration and Records Specialist Rebecca Ruesch.
Questions about studying for the bar exam? Please contact Professor Katie Pagel, Marquette Law School's director of bar preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find out about the Wisconsin Bar swearing-in ceremony?
For May Graduates: On the Monday following Marquette Law School commencement, the Wisconsin Supreme Court typically hosts a swearing-in ceremony (solely for Marquette Law School graduates). This swearing-in will be available for those whose Character and Finess applications have been accepted by the Board of Bar Examiners (BBE). The swearing-in will be followed by an invitation to the new members of the bar to sign the book of lawyers, a time-honored tradition. Ceremony times and communications come directly from the (BBE).
For December Graduates: In early January, the Wisconsin Supreme Court typically hosts a swearing-in ceremony for winter graduates of Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The swearing-in will be followed by an invitation to the new members of the bar to sign the book of lawyers, a time-honored tradition. Ceremony times and communications come directly from the BBE.
For Summer Graduates: Please communicate directly with the BBE to arrange your swearing-in.
Who do I go to with questions about my Character & Fitness Application?
During 2L and 3L years, information sessions regarding the Character & Fitness process will be offered. Students are strongly encouraged to attend a session during each year. In addition, each fall, the Board of Bar Examiners (BBE) will spend a day at Marquette Law School holding drop-in hours to answer students’ specific questions about their Character & Fitness applications.
Once you have begun your Character & Fitness Application, questions should generally be directed directly to the BBE. For questions about:
- Employment and education history, contact Dean Erin Binns
- Amending your law school application, click here or contact Registrar Nicole Torpe Mason
- Don’t know who to ask? Email lawstudentservices@marquette.edu and we’ll point you in the right direction.
How do I amend my Law School Application?
Visit this page for information on how to amend your law school application.
How can I get a copy of my Law School Application?
Fill out this form to request a copy of your Law School Application.
You may also view your application anytime from LSAC by following these steps:
- Login to your LSAC account
- Click on "Applying to Law Schools"
- Head to the "Completed Applications" tab
- From there you can view completed applications and download materials as a PDF.
How do I order transcripts?
Current students and alumni may order a copy of their official transcript by visiting the Marquette University Registrar website.
Unofficial transcripts are available to current students in CheckMarq.
Why does my Character & Fitness Application list a Dean’s Certificate and final transcript as outstanding items?
The Law School submits the Dean's Certification form to the Wisconsin Board of Bar Examiners upon students' graduation. Students do not need to submit a request to the Law School for this step to be completed. Additionally, no final transcript is needed as the Dean’s Certification covers this item.
How do I get my Character & Fitness application authorization notarized?
The Career Planning Center and Office of Student Affairs have staff available to provide notary services to Marquette law students. Please contact Lawyer Recruiting Program Specialist Lexi Garczynski or Registration and Records Specialist Rebecca Ruesch to make an appointment.